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Polished concrete basement floor?

7 years ago

Hi everyone- We live near Toronto Canada (4 seasons of weather all over the place) and are redoing our bungalow basement. I love the look and functionality of polished concrete floors (with area rugs for warmth). Is there any reason why this would be a bad idea? I'm thinking wall to wall carpet is a bit gross, laminate just feels weird. Our house has a modern look and feel to it so I think aesthetically it may work.
Here's what we're working with right now.
Thanks in advance!

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PRO

Alexanian Carpet & Flooring

7 years ago

Hello Alicia,

Feel free to visit alexanian.com for a list of our locations. We have 18 stores throughout Ontario, with several locations in and around Toronto. I think it would be best to go into one of the locations and have a look at their many samples of hard surface flooring options. It amazes me when I see new products coming into our stores that have such modern appeal. Don't laugh, but we installed vinyl in one of our bathrooms over concrete and everyone thought it was real slate. I loved that floor, and it was just vinyl! Who would have thought;) Oversized travertine tiles can look amazing, and carry through that modern edge. I personally love the look of polished concrete, but I would be leery of the cold feeling. Especially after these two brutal winters we have had. Of course, radiant heating is always an option, but I don't like the price tag. We are now attempting our second basement finishing project and I must say that I always prefer carpeting, with a soft under pad. There are many "modern looking" carpet options available. It helps to buffer noise and feels great on the feet. I'm sure you will make a beautiful choice and if you do go for the polished concrete, then have a look at alexanian.com for some area rug ideas. Lots of great sale prices right now! I would certainly recommend an under pad under any area rug to help prolong it's life and help keep your feet happy!

Best of luck,

Wendy

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Comments (7)

PRO
Small Bernal Inc
7 years ago
I love the idea of polished concrete for basements. I have done this for several of my clients. You can even stain it. Dressing it up with area rugs is a good idea as it will be a cold surface even when it is well heated. Good luck!
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don't think I'm crazy, but I love a blue in this color family for the island Your island is small enough so it won't be overpowering, the teal shade is a wonderful compliment to the gold tones in the floor and your surrounding wood, with you natural butcher block on top, this peacock shade will pop! diff shades of the blue: how nice it is w/the wood top and all the white surrounding. lighter gray blue or a darker shade I I had to pick a gray, then I would pick a charcoal, almost black. that too would look amazeballs w/the floor and the wood. And I would do the french gold hardware.
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If you live in a typical Brooklyn connected townhouse do not go crazy finishing your basement. ALL basements have moisture issues. Then add the connected shared walls and if your neighbor has moisture issues you have moisture issues. Problem is the moisture wicks its way up into the thinset and the tile. If you like the bare look maybe a concrete coating sealer that can easily be touched up as you will have moisture issues. Then add that all the mechanicals are tucked up into those ceilings and its not if you will have water damages but when. If you are finishing a basement make sure you have a dedicated dehumidifier that self drains. Make sure it is on all the time. Also leave at least one lamp on as the lamp prevents humidity, yes it works. Buy a dehumidifier and put it in the basement they are saying is dry and within a day after a rain or snow if will be full within a couple of hours. When you dump that gallon bucket out you will understand. Those old houses weren't built with todays tech and were never meant to have finished lower level living spaces.
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PRO
William Roy Designer Kitchens
7 years ago

Alicia,

1st off, stick with a hard surface, cleaner, less cleaning, more practical. As for concrete, if you have a modern style, works well. I did my upstairs in stone and basement in Cork. We love both, easy care and looks cool. Concrete can be stained and finish in a low to high sheen.

Have fun and NO carpet please. wr
PRO
William Roy Designer Kitchens
7 years ago
The Bath. Not a great shot but a "split" plum slate floor.
Muskokatana
7 years ago
if budget allows I would add in floor heat. Nuheat is good for retrofitting but costly to run. be aware polishing concrete makes dust.
PRO
Distinctive Designs in Cabinetry, LLC
7 years ago

I love my acid stained concrete showroom floors and they've worn beautifully. A little warmer down here in SC but imagine that they'd be fine for you. Some area rugs would add that nice touch of warmth and I think the stained concrete would complement most design styles. Good luck!
melissajones_
5 days ago
I would love to know if you ended up going with the concrete floors? We are in Niagara and thinking of doing the same bur also worried about the cold.

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